John Barrett

341

Maureen Withey on 16th August 2025

The National Archives. Hulk Records. HO-9-2_4 Hulks at Chatham. Euryalus Received: Twenty five from Newgate, 24 May 1826. John Barrett, age 14, Hy Robbery. Tried Middlesex, 16 Feb 1826, Life. How disposed of: NSW per Asia, 21 July 1827. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Tried at the Old Bailey, 27 Feb 1826 399. JOHN BARRETT was indicted for feloniously assaulting Caroline, the wife of James Meyers , on the King's high-way, on the 14th of February , at St. Luke, putting her in fear, taking from her person, and against her will, 1 umbrella, value 1s., and a pair of pattens, value 6d. the goods of the said James Meyers. CAROLINE MEYERS . I am the wife of James Meyers, who is a clerk - we live in Rahere-street, Goswell-road. On the 14th of February, a little after seven o'clock in the evening, I was going home from Old-street, and as I was walking along Brick-lane , with my umbrella and pattens in the same hand, a boy came up and pushed me, saying, "Halloo, mistress!" two other boys instantly came up, they pushed me from one side to the other, and pulled my shawl, but did not get it; I begged them to go on, like good boys - they would not, but still kept round me - and in the scuffle I lost my pattens - they might have knocked them out of my hand, or they may have dropped; I asked them where their mother lived - they told me at No. 20, and I think they said in Seward-street; in order to get rid of them, I went into a chandler's-shop in Seward-street - I then had my umbrella safe; I was there a few minutes, and when I came out, the boys stood waiting for me; they followed me - and when I got to Rahere-street, which is about ten minutes walk, there is a dark dirty place there, one of the boys then pulled my umbrella away from me - two of them pushed me down, and kicked me; I had a tooth broken, and my nose bled; I was much bruised by their kicking me - I felt very ill next day, and was not able to get up till night; a person picked me up; my pattens were not found after they were dropped; I have every reason to believe the prisoner is one of the three boys, but will not venture to swear it; I have not found the umbrella. Q. When you went into the chandler's-shop did you tell the people what had happened? A. No; I only bought a candle; I had not been hurt then. This happened on Tuesday night, and on Thursday I saw the prisoner in custody - I then had a strong belief that he was the person, but could not swear to him. CHARLES TAPPS . I am nearly fourteen years old, and live in New-court, Brick-lane. (The witness being questioned appeared perfectly aware of the obligation of an oath.) I live with my parents - my father is a hempdresser. On Tuesday night I was in Brick-lane, and saw Mrs. Meyers; a boy came up to her, and said, "Halloo! mistress," and one of the others pushed her - there were four of them; she had an umbrella and pattens in her hand; this was just by New-court; I do not know who the boys were, or whether she lost any thing then - she told them to go on, like good boys; they stopped by her; I stopped at the end of Seward-street, and saw her go into a chandler's-shop, and when she came out the boys were standing by the window - they made a pull at her shawl; she went up to Rahere-street, and there they pulled her down, and took her umbrella, saying "Pulley, hoy" - I did not see them do any thing more to her. A gentleman picked her up - she held by the rails, and could hardly stand. When they had got the umbrella one of them was standing under a baker's window, whistling; this gentleman was coming by. I pointed him out to him - he had not got the umbrella, but was one of those who illused her, and pulled her down - the gentleman laid hold of him; I am sure he is one of the party; the prisoner is the boy I am quite sure; I had never seen him before, to my knowledge - he was with the boys all the time - it lasted about an hour, I think. I stood some distance from them - he is one who waited at the window for her; there was a light in the window; I am positive he is one of them. There are oil lamps in Rahere-street; I am sure he went with the other boys from the window to the spot where they robbed her - he did not take the umbrella - I should know that boy again. Prisoner. Q. Did you see me touch the lady? A. I will not swear that he did, but he was with them. ….. … Prisoner's Defence. I was going along Brick-lane - this lady was in a public-house, and a lot of boys playing with her - she was dancing; I asked what was the matter - they said only a woman drunk; she went down the street - I went in, and bought some potatoes; but, having no money, they would not let me have them. She went into a chandler's shop, to buy a candle - she only had a half-penny to pay for it; the other boys were playing and shoving her about. CAROLINE MEYERS. I took nothing that night - I was perfectly sober. CHARLES TAPPS. She was not tipsy, but walked along as anybody else would - there was nobody saying she was drunk, or crying after her. MARY TAPPS . Mrs. Meyers was not dancing - she was coming along quite quiet - nobody said she was drunk. JAMES NEW. I did not think her at all in liqour. I knew her well before, but she was all blood, and so exhausted, I did not recognise her then; she is a very sober woman. GUILTY - DEATH . Aged 14. Recommended to Mercy on account of his youth .